Identifying and Investigating Abuse Occurring in Long-Term Care Facilities

Across the country, law enforcement can improve the lives of residents living in long-term care facilities by identifying and investigating abuse allegations. Although nursing homes are regulated by both federal and state laws and regulations, there are some commonalities across states based on federal regulation, including the obligation to report to law enforcement when some forms of abuse are committed against residents in long-term care facilities. In this session, attendees will learn about the many forms of abuse occurring in nursing homes, the laws and regulations which govern these incidents, initial steps when law enforcement identifies abuse or receives a referral, tips for working with EMS and for investigating allegations of abuse, and the value of working with partners such as EMS and Long-Term Care Ombudsmen on these matters.